Vaishali Bafna: Pioneering Holistic Learning Through Education Kinesiology

Vaishali Bafna embarked on her journey in education two decades ago, following the completion of her master’s degree in business. She dedicated nearly a decade to teaching and curriculum development in one of Mumbai’s premier mainstream schools, specializing in language and math pedagogy. Her passion for understanding the science of learning led her to explore neuroscience deeply, blending research with practical experience.

Eager to enhance her understanding of the mind-body connection, Vaishali studied education and health kinesiology, a discipline focused on using movement to prepare the mind and body for optimal functioning — whether in academics, health, emotional regulation, or physical wellness. In 2014, she founded Thinkashram, a center committed to fostering holistic growth for individuals across all age groups, starting from as young as six months old. Thinkashram offers programs that support mental and physical well being, tracing milestone lags in babies and infants, and helping school children improve their academic performance, attention span, behaviour, social skills, vision, and posture.

New parents enroll their babies at the age as early as six months to expose them to growth-enhancing activities that align brain and body development seamlessly. They have found such programs more appropriate and meaningful for their babies compared to the conventional mother-toddler programs. Adults, on the other hand, find effective solutions to manage stress and lifestyle-related health challenges. Professionals from varied backgrounds in India and abroad have also benefitted immensely from the application of kinesiology techniques practised at Thinkashram.

As an International Brain Gym Instructor (USA) and a Touch for Health Instructor and Professional (Australia), Vaishali empowers individuals with techniques for energy balancing and mindfulness, encouraging them to use their bodies to achieve true mind-body harmony. Besides her kinesiology expertise, Vaishali Bafna is also a life coach. She has integrated her extensive skills — spanning curriculum design, academic scaffolding, vision-vestibular-sensory integration, speech readiness, craniosacral therapy, energy balancing, epigenetic balancing, Brain Gym, and child development — into comprehensive, holistic programs at Thinkashram.

This integrated approach makes Thinkashram a one-stop destination for fostering human development and growth at every life stage. Vaishali not only mentors young learners academically but also supports them with reflective thinking and writing for undergraduate and graduate college applications. With a dedicated team of skilled facilitators, Thinkashram has conducted over 35,000 sessions, helping hundreds of children and adults experience profound transformations.

Vaishali actively contributes to the global kinesiology community, presenting her research at international conferences. She also gained national recognition by appearing on India’s first career guidance show, “Sikho: Bhavishya Naye Bharat Ka,” on Doordarshan, where she shared her passion for teaching and highlighted education kinesiology as a meaningful and viable career path for young aspirants. Beyond her educational endeavors, Vaishali serves on the committee of the international NGO Veerayatan, which is committed to education, health, and rehabilitation for underprivileged communities.

Vaishali Bafna believes that achieving a balance between mind and body is crucial to bridging the science and spirit of learning. For her, life itself is a continuous journey of learning, and kinesiology is the tool that empowers every individual, irrespective of gender, age or qualification, to navigate their paths with readiness, resilience, and purpose.